“Juntos” (pronounced who n toes) is Spanish for “Together”. On October 30th, The Dalles Middle School students and their parents gathered together with a team of program organizers representing OSU Open Campus and Extension, Columbia Gorge Community College, North Wasco County School District and the Columbia Gorge ESD for an evening of community building and information sharing.

After a filling meal, students and their families actively took part in activities and conversation focused on empowerment and school success. The two hour session was so engaging, participants stayed overtime to fit in one more activity! Childcare for the little ones was a success and included crafts and a 4-H Science Inquiry activity taught by high school volunteers.

The evening program will run for 5 more weeks, but will not end there. This is only the beginning! Continuing education sessions will follow and the year will culminate with a field trip to OSU Corvallis for Juntos Day. TOGETHER, we are building a bridge of open communication to support all students in pursuing their educational goals and dreams!